Welsh Rugby
Davies puts boot into Henson
ESPNscrum Staff
January 3, 2011
Saracens centre Gavin Henson looks dejected as he is replaced, Sale Sharks v  Saracens, Aviva Premiership, Edgeley Park, Stockport, England, January 2, 2011
Henson was replaced 53 minutes into Saracens' shock 28-22 defeat at Sale © Getty Images
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Wales legend Jonathan Davies has rubbished calls for Gavin Henson to be drafted back into the international set-up for this year's Six Nations.

Henson has been linked with a return to Warren Gatland's squad since ending two years of self-imposed exile and signing for Aviva Premiership side Saracens. But TV commitments meant he only made his debut in the Boxing Day victory over Wasps and his first start against Sale on Sunday ended when he was replaced after just 53 minutes.

As a result dual-code international Davies is adamant that the former Ospreys star does not deserve to be selected for Wales' Six Nations squad. "Henson doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the squad and I think everyone is fed up with it," Davies told Scrum V. "He played [on Sunday], didn't perform, okay if he doesn't play why should he be in the squad?

"We all know what kind of player he is. He had an hour in a position he didn't play but it was his choice to go to Saracens. Unless he plays he is not considered, simple as that... you can't pick a guy on reputation of one or two games.

"He's the type of player that when he doesn't play he looks lethargic. He has to play often because he's a natural rugby player... if he doesn't play then it doesn't come natural to him and then he shouldn't be considered. If he comes back and plays and deserves a place well so be it."

With the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand looming in September, Davies also believes Gatland should have a settled squad. "I wouldn't go tinkering with the squad now, it's a year when the tinkering should have been done," Davies added. "You keep the same players, you work the same partnerships, combinations. Back-row, the front five is very, very strong. We need to sort out our backline but I think it's a very daunting, tough pool in the World Cup."

Wales begin their Six Nations Championship campaign at home to England on Friday, February 4 at the Millennium Stadium.

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